Nairobi in 13 Days for Couples - Masai Mara game drives (possible Great Migration views)
In Collaboration with Nature Bound Africa. Updated on February 23, 2026.
12-night / 13-day guided luxury safari through Kenya and Tanzania visiting Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Aberdares, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Includes scheduled game drives, park transfers, lodge stays and border transfer via Namanga.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Nature Bound Africa, inspired by the tour Big Cat Safari Kenya and Tanzania. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Masai Mara game drives (possible Great Migration views)
- Lake Nakuru bird and rhino viewing
- Aberdares / Treetops wildlife watching
- Amboseli with Kilimanjaro backdrop
- Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions and birdscape 0F Tanzania's rift forests and lakeside plains (Lake Manyara National Park). Included are the iconic Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater game drives.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival to Nairobi, airport pickup and transfer to Nairobi Safari Club for check-in; overnight in Nairobi (B&B).
Arrival - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport pickup
Meet Nature Bound Africa representative on arrival and transfer to Nairobi Safari Club.
Tips from local experts:
- Have passports and any entry/visa paperwork ready for the meet-and-greet on arrival.
- Expect Nairobi traffic at certain hours; allow extra time if you have tight onward connections.
- Carry a small day bag with overnight essentials; lodges often handle larger luggage separately.
Check-in - Nairobi Safari Club
Check in and time to rest. Evening at leisure; overnight at Nairobi Safari Club on bed & breakfast basis.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your room reservation and any dinner arrangements at check-in.
- If arriving late, request a lighter meal; Nairobi Safari Club can provide restaurant options.
- Keep valuables in the room safe and carry copies of travel documents in a separate bag.
Day 2
Drive from Nairobi through the Rift Valley via Narok to Masai Mara. Lunch and afternoon game drive; overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Simba Lodge.
Depart Nairobi for Masai Mara (via Narok)
Early breakfast and scenic drive across the Rift Valley to the Masai Mara Game Reserve; scheduled arrival in time for lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle for the drive and first game drive.
- Expect rougher road conditions near reserve entrances; wear comfortable clothing and secure loose items.
- Carry motion-sickness remedies if you are prone to travel sickness on winding roads.
Lunch & afternoon transfer to lodge
Lunch at the lodge followed by game viewing en-route to your lodge (Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Simba Lodge) and evening at leisure.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry a light jacket — early mornings and evenings on the plains can be cool.
- Keep cameras charged; game viewing en-route often starts immediately after lunch.
- Ask the guide about sun protection and insect precautions before stepping out.
Evening game drive (Masai Mara)
Late-afternoon game drive in the Masai Mara plains before sunset; return to lodge for dinner and overnight.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens if you have one for better wildlife photography.
- Keep voices low and avoid sudden movements to improve viewing opportunities.
- Carry a small flashlight for the walk back to the lodge after dinner.
Day 3
Full day in Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives; return to lodge for meals and overnight.
Morning game drive (Masai Mara)
Early-morning game drive targeting predators and early wildlife activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear layered clothing to adapt as temperatures warm after sunrise.
- Bring a travel mug or bottle — lodges can often refill water for drives.
- Ask your guide about points of interest and local Maasai culture between sightings.
Afternoon game drive (Masai Mara)
Midday rest at the lodge followed by an afternoon drive to explore different areas of the reserve.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry light snacks and water for the afternoon; drives can be several hours.
- Keep camera batteries and memory cards spare for extended wildlife viewing.
- Respect park boundaries and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Day 4
Drive from Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park with lunch and afternoon game drive; overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge.
Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
Depart after breakfast with a game drive en-route and arrive at Lake Nakuru for lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect changing scenery from Mara plains to Rift Valley lakeside; keep a camera handy.
- Rest stops will be scheduled; use them to stretch and buy snacks if needed.
- Inform staff of any dietary restrictions before the lunch stop.
Afternoon game drive (Lake Nakuru)
Afternoon game drive searching for rhino, Rothschild giraffe and flamingo concentrations (season dependent).
Tips from local experts:
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching; flamingo sightings depend on water levels.
- Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend with the environment during drives.
- Carry insect repellent for marshy areas near the lakeshore.
Day 5
Breakfast and transfer to Aberdares region with lunch at Outspan Hotel and transfer to Treetops (tree hotel) for afternoon game watching; overnight at Treetops Lodge.
Depart Lake Nakuru for Aberdares
After breakfast depart for Aberdares; stop for lunch at Outspan Hotel in Nyeri.
Tips from local experts:
- Roads may climb to higher altitudes; bring a light warm layer for Aberdares' cooler climate.
- Plan for short photo stops at viewpoints — ask the driver guide for the best spots.
- If you take medications for altitude or travel, keep them accessible during the drive.
Check-in and game viewing - Treetops Hotel (Aberdare)
Transfer to Treetops Hotel for afternoon/evening wildlife viewing from the lodge facilities; dinner and overnight.
Tips from local experts:
- Treetops offers viewing platforms — bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
- Evenings in the Aberdares can be damp; pack a waterproof layer and closed shoes.
- Confirm wake-up/meal times with the lodge as schedules can vary with wildlife activity.
Day 6
Drive from Aberdares to Nairobi for lunch at Thorn Tree Restaurant then proceed south to Amboseli National Park; check-in at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
Depart Treetops for Nairobi; lunch at Thorn Tree Restaurant
After breakfast depart for Nairobi and stop for lunch at Thorn Tree Restaurant.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm the day's meeting point and approximate arrival time with your driver.
- Carry local currency for small purchases or tips during stops.
- Ask for a light meal option if you have a long drive onward to Amboseli.
Drive to Amboseli National Park and check-in
Proceed south from Nairobi through Namanga area toward Amboseli and check in at Amboseli Sopa Lodge (or Amboseli Serena where noted).
Tips from local experts:
- Border and park entry procedures vary; keep passports handy for any checks near Namanga.
- Expect long stretches of road; bring snacks and water for the transfer.
- Arrival times may change with road conditions; notify the lodge if delayed.
Day 7
Amboseli full day with early morning and afternoon game drives; views of Mount Kilimanjaro when weather permits.
Morning game drive (Amboseli)
Early departure for a morning game drive focused on elephants and plains game with Mt. Kilimanjaro as backdrop.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring extra layers — mornings can be chilly, even near Amboseli.
- Ask your guide to position the vehicle for photos with Kilimanjaro if the summit is visible.
- Carry water and a snack for longer morning outings.
Afternoon game drive (Amboseli)
After lunch and rest at the lodge, depart for an afternoon game drive before sunset.
Tips from local experts:
- Sunset viewing is popular; bring a compact tripod or steadying strap for low-light photos.
- Follow the guide’s safety brief before approaching wildlife on foot near designated areas.
- Avoid strong fragrances as wildlife can be sensitive to scents.
Day 8
Cross the Namanga border into Tanzania en-route to Arusha for lunch, then proceed to Lake Manyara and check in at Kirurumu Tented Lodge.
Drive to Arusha via Namanga border
Breakfast and 0800 departure through Namanga border to Arusha; arrive in time for lunch in Arusha town.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry passports with any required Tanzania entry documents to present at border crossing.
- Border processing time varies; have all immigration forms accessible to speed the process.
- Plan for a brief stop in Arusha to change currency or purchase essentials if needed.
Drive to Lake Manyara and check-in
After lunch in Arusha drive to Lake Manyara National Park and check in at Kirurumu Tented Lodge; evening at the lodge.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a short game drive inside Lake Manyara in the late afternoon; keep cameras ready.
- The lodge is tented — confirm power/charging arrangements for electronics at check-in.
- Request a lakeside-facing tent early if you prefer a specific view (subject to availability).
Day 9
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara, then drive to Serengeti National Park; lunch at Serengeti Sopa Lodge and afternoon game drive.
Morning game drive (Lake Manyara)
Early game drive in Lake Manyara, looking for tree-climbing lions, giraffe and birdlife before departing for Serengeti.
Tips from local experts:
- Lake Manyara has soft tracks in places; wear shoes suitable for dusty and potentially muddy conditions.
- Birdwatchers should have a field guide or app handy — many species are present.
- Confirm departure luggage prep for the longer transfer to Serengeti right after the morning activity.
Drive to Serengeti; lunch at Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Transfer to Serengeti with midday arrival and lunch at Serengeti Sopa Lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive.
Tips from local experts:
- The road to Serengeti can be long and bumpy; secure all loose luggage and take motion-sickness precautions if needed.
- Top up water and essential supplies in Arusha or at lunch stops before deep park drives.
- Ask your guide where the best evening photography spots are near the lodge.
Afternoon game drive (Serengeti)
Afternoon game drive in the Serengeti plains; return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Tips from local experts:
- Serengeti wildlife is wide-ranging; communicate any specific animal interests to your guide.
- Keep a water bottle and sun protection handy during long, open-vehicle drives.
- Dress in muted colors to avoid startling wildlife and improving sighting chances.
Day 10
Full day in Serengeti with early morning and afternoon game drives; lunch at the lodge.
Early morning game drive (Serengeti)
Early departure to view predators and plains game while animals are most active.
Tips from local experts:
- Sunrise in the Serengeti can be spectacular — arrive early for the best light if photographing.
- Carry snacks and extra water if you prefer not to return to the lodge between drives.
- Follow guide instructions strictly when approaching large predators; maintain safe distances.
Afternoon game drive (Serengeti)
After a relaxed lunch and rest, depart for a later-afternoon game drive to cover a different area of the park.
Tips from local experts:
- Afternoon drives are good for spotting cheetahs and hunting behavior — ask the guide to watch open plains.
- Bring a lightweight binocular harness for comfort during extended viewing.
- Charge camera batteries during the midday break to avoid missing evening sightings.
Day 11
Drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area with game drive en-route; lunch and overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
Drive to Ngorongoro with game en-route
Depart Serengeti after breakfast with wildlife viewing on the way to Ngorongoro, arriving in time for lunch at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
Tips from local experts:
- Road times vary; keep passports accessible as you may pass through conservation checkpoints.
- Ask guides about the route and likely wildlife corridors to maximize viewing opportunities en-route.
- Carry layers; Ngorongoro's higher elevation can be cooler than the Serengeti.
Afternoon at leisure (Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge)
Afternoon at the lodge to rest and prepare for the crater visit the next day.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm wake-up and packed-lunch arrangements for the upcoming crater descent.
- Use this time to charge electronics and check camera gear for the full-day game drive.
- Stay hydrated and acclimatize to the higher altitude before active walking.
Day 12
Full-day game drive inside Ngorongoro Crater with picnic lunch; return to Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater — full-day game drive
Early breakfast and descent into the crater for a full-day picnic game drive with diverse resident wildlife and dense predator populations.
Tips from local experts:
- The crater floor is cooler and may be windier — wear windproof layers and sun protection.
- Picnic lunches are usually provided; inform staff in advance about dietary restrictions.
- Carry spare batteries and memory cards; the crater offers concentrated wildlife viewing all day.
Day 13
Drive from Ngorongoro to Arusha for lunch then a regular shuttle to Nairobi; drop at Panafric Hotel and farewell dinner at Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi.
Drive to Arusha (morning)
Breakfast and depart Ngorongoro to arrive in Arusha in time for lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Schedule allows for lunch in Arusha before the regular shuttle to Nairobi; keep passports handy for any checks.
- Confirm shuttle details and luggage allowances when you arrive in Arusha.
- Keep essentials accessible as the shuttle journey is long and may have limited stops.
Shuttle from Arusha to Nairobi; drop at Panafric Hotel
Continue to Nairobi on a scheduled shuttle service and disembark at Panafric Hotel as the regroup point.
Tips from local experts:
- Shuttle travel can be long (several hours); bring a charged power bank and entertainment.
- Keep copies of travel documents and contact details for the operator during cross-border travel.
- Expect an arrival in Nairobi in the evening; confirm pickup time for the dinner transfer.
Farewell dinner at Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi
Pickup from Panafric Hotel and transfer to Carnivore Restaurant for a farewell dinner before concluding the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform the guide or restaurant of any dietary restrictions in advance to ensure suitable meal options.
- Allow time for an evening transfer from Panafric Hotel to the restaurant, accounting for Nairobi traffic.
- Carry some local currency for incidental expenses and gratuities at the restaurant if desired.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 13 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 11 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 17 |
| Total Places | 17 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Hotel, Meal, Outdoor, Break, Restaurant |
